The PE course combines all the major elements of any study of sport. You will study three theory areas that cover the physiological, psychological and sociological aspects of sport and complete about two hours of practical work a week. This will allow you to use a wide range of knowledge to explain how physical education can affect the mind, body and spirit of the performer.
The physiological aspects cover the anatomy and exercise physiology areas that will help us understand how our bodies move and what we can do to improve performance. The psychological areas help us understand how we learn and how we can improve our teaching and coaching skills and the sociological areas help us understand the role of PE and sport in society and how it has become so important.
A minimum of five GCSE subjects at grade 4 or above, including English and Double Science (if seperate sciences have been taken, a grade 4 in any two). All students must be competitive in at least one sport. GCSE PE is benefitial and if a student has studied it, a minimum of a grade 4 would be recommended.
| Paper | Assessment | Section A | Section B | Section C |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1: FActors affecting participation in physical activity and sport | Written exam: 2 hours Total: 105 marks 35% of A Level | Applied anatomy and physiology (35 marks) | Skill acquisition (35 marks) | Sport and scoiety (35 marks) |
| Paper 2: Factors affecting optimal performance in physical activity and sport | Written exam: 2 hours Total: 105 marks 35% of A Level | Exercise physiology and biomechanics (35 marks) | Sports psychology (35 marks) | Sport and society and technology in sport (35 marks) |
| Practical | Assessment | Section A | Section B |
|---|---|---|---|
| Practical performance in physical activity and sport | Internal assessment, external moderation Total: 90 marks 30% of A Level | Students are assessed as a player/performer or coach in the full sided version of one activity (15%) | Writen/verbal analysis and evaluation of performance (15%) |
Love your sport. The practical assessment is designed for people that are playing their one key sport regularly. It is important that you have a way of collecting video evidence of you performing to the best of your ability.
The theory work will generally be delivered in a classroom environment but a wide range of techniques will be used. Discussion, experiments, practical demonstrations, video, student presentations and good old-fashioned board work will be used to provide a varied approach to learning.
Practical lessons will be used to reinforce the concepts used and studied in the classroom. Practical assessments are completed during training times and during assessment week sessions.
As well as an excellent knowledge base, you will develop your abilities to analyse situations and apply theoretical concepts to practical situations. This is a very necessary skill for any future career. You will develop both your communication skills to help you become an effective team member and your leadership qualities. Opportunities will be available for you to achieve the Community Sports LeaderAward through your PE course.
The Physical Education Department is one of the liveliest departments in the college. Students who have completed courses in our department enjoy both the positive staff-student relationships and the varied approaches to study.
The department has superb facilities on-site including a sports hall ready for top-level badminton, basketball, netball, volleyball, 5 – aside, indoor hockey, trampolining and cricket. A state of the art fitness club with highly qualified instructors, two football pitches, one rugby pitch and two netball/tennis courts. We also make use of other specialist facilities such as Charterhouse astroturf, athletics track and pool. Our classrooms are right in the heart of the sports centre with the new building next door we have access to all the latest audio-visual equipment.
As well as excellent teaching, the department offers a range of activities to enhance your time at Godalming. We run successful teams in basketball (male), football (male and female), netball (female), rugby (male), swimming (male & female) and cross country (male and female) and we also have recreational classes for badminton, cricket and trampolining. We have used residential visits to well-known sports resorts such as Club La Santa, Lanzarote and have attended revision conferences delivered by the senior examining staff.
Godalming College PE Department welcomes people with a genuine interest in sport and many top international level performers study here alongside those who just enjoy playing.
Physical Education is now seen as any other academic qualification. Previous students have been accepted on higher education courses to study sports science, teaching, leisure management, coaching studies and so on. Recently, a large number of our students have gone on to study physiotherapy and recently we have had successful medicine applications. Nearly all universities accept Physical Education for their courses and many like the enhanced communication and leadership skills that Physical Education students develop. Physical education is also a sensible qualification for people considering work in the leisure or health and fitness industry.